Micellar extended release nanostructures

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods of manufacture for an extended time-release fragrance comprising volatile organic compounds. A composition of the disclosure includes an effective amount of a volatile organic compound for providing a fragrance that can be sensed by a user and fractionated coconut oil comprising caprylic acid and capric acid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/381,331, filed on Apr. 11, 2019, and claims the benefit and priorityof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/381,331 and, thereby, claims thebenefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/782,288,filed Dec. 19, 2018, entitled “A Fragrance Composition” which areincorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties,including but not limited to those portions that specifically appearhereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with thefollowing exception: In the event that any portion of theabove-referenced provisional application is inconsistent with thisapplication, this application supersedes said above-referencedprovisional application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a composition of matter. Thecomposition further relates to fragrances, particularly compositionsrelated to fragrance bases.

BACKGROUND

The sense of smell may be the most underutilized and least understood ofthe human senses. The sense of smell (referred to as olfaction) operatesby the use of odorant receptor cells in the body. These odorant receptorcells help the body sense and process different smells. The brain canprocess conscious and unconscious odorant molecules that promptdifferent reactions by the body. Many fragrances are designed to includeodorant molecules that will be processed by the body both consciouslyand unconsciously.

The sense of smell can be a very powerful sense that can havepsychological and physiological impacts on a body. Smells can incitememories, impact emotions, increase motivation, lower stress, stimulateself-confidence, and more. Some fragrances seek to capitalize on thepowers of smell by creating unique blends of scents that can be appliedto a person's body, clothes, surroundings, and so forth.

Fragrances and perfumes have existed for thousands of years. Bottles offragrance have been uncovered that date back to ancient Egypt and India.Throughout the 16^(th) century, Europe and particularly Franceexperienced a rise in the popularity of fragrances. Fragrances werefrequently applied to furniture, gloves, clothing, hair, and a person'sbody. The fragrance industry continues to grow and includes theproduction of perfumes, mists, aftershaves, body rubs, air fresheners,and others. Fragrances provide numerous benefits and represent andimportant aspect of a person's everyday life.

Traditionally, fragrances and other compositions that include volatileorganic compounds are manufactured with an alcohol or ethanol solvent.The alcohol or ethanol solvent can enable the fragrance or othervolatile organic compound to be solubilized in a solvent. However,alcohol and ethanol are undesirable for many users and can causeunpleasant side effects for a user. For example, applying alcohol orethanol to skin causes the skin to become dehydrated, can cause damageto layers of the skin, and can cause painful or irritating rashes on theskin. Additionally, fragrances or other volatile organic compounds thatare solubilized in an alcohol or ethanol solvent can cause headaches ormigraines for some users.

Additionally, alcohol and ethanol solutions can evaporate very quicklyat ambient conditions. When a fragrance having an alcohol or ethanolbase is applied or sprayed, the alcohol or ethanol will quicklyevaporate and cause the fragrant molecules to quickly dissipate. Whenthe fragrant molecules have dissipated, a user can no longer sense thefragrance and the fragrance must be reapplied.

Additionally, alcohol and ethanol solutions are known to kill or harmbeneficial bacteria on a user's skin. This beneficial bacteria may beknown as the “microbiome” of the user's skin and can provide numeroushealth benefits including fighting off pathogenic bacteria andpreventing the user from becoming sick. The microbiome of the skin isvital for skin health and also for overall health by supporting theuser's immune system.

In light of the foregoing, disclosed herein are compositions and methodsof manufacture for gentle fragrance solutions having extendedtime-release attributes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the presentdisclosure are described with reference to the following figures,wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout thevarious views unless otherwise specified. Advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A is the chemical structure of caprylic acid;

FIG. 1B is the chemical structure of capric acid;

FIG. 2 is a depiction of a micellar nanostructure, according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3D are chemical structures of example volatile organiccompounds suitable for use with the compositions of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bar graph showing the fractionated coconut oil compositionsdisclosed herein provide unexpectedly good results for extendedtime-release of volatile organic compounds; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart diagram of a method for manufacturing afractionated coconut oil composition, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are micellar extended release nanostructures andsystems and methods for preparing the same. An embodiment of themicellar extended release nanostructures are derived from acompositional mixture of fractionated coconut oil and volatile organiccompounds. Embodiments of the micellar nanostructure compositionsprovide a gentle fragrance solution that can be applied topically to auser without causing adverse skin reactions such as skin dehydration,skin irritation, or skin damage. Additionally, embodiments of themicellar nanostructure compositions provide an extended time-release ofvolatile organic compounds such that the compositions are longer lastingat least when compared with alcohol-based compositions.

In an embodiment, a composition is provided as a gentle and extendedtime-release fragrance. The composition includes an effective amount ofa volatile organic compound for providing a fragrance that can be sensedby a user. The composition further includes fractionated coconut oilcomprising caprylic acid and capric acid.

An embodiment includes a compositional mixture of fractionated coconutoil and one or more volatile organic compounds. In the compositionalmixture, a microemulsion occurs between fatty acids in the fractionatedcoconut oil and the one or more volatile organic compounds. Thecompositional mixture provides a means for extended release of the oneor more volatile organic compounds.

Embodiments of the compositional mixture may be implemented asfragrances that can be used in perfumes, body products, hair products,cleaning products, air fresheners, and others. Fragrances producedaccording to the disclosures herein have extended release propertiessuch that the fragrance will last a longer period of time and does notneed to be applied as frequently. Additionally, fragrances producedaccording to the disclosures herein are safe for topical application andare unlikely to cause adverse reactions for a user such as skinirritations or discomfort.

The sense of smell functions by way of odorant receptor cells in thebody. The odorant receptor cells belong to a class of proteins known asG protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Small odorant molecules bind to thereceptors of the olfactory system in the upper portion of the nasalepithelium of the body. Electric impulses in the body are sent from thereceptors to microdomains called glomeruli. At the glomeruli, theimpulses are amplified and then sent to the brain where the scent isperceived and “decoded” by the brain. The brain causes the individual torecognize and “sense” the smell. For many humans, the olfactory systemaids the body in accurately discerning over 10,000 different odors.Odorant molecules are one class of a group of organic compounds calledvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are processed by the brain andconsciously perceived by the individual.

In addition to the thousands of odorant VOC molecules the brain uses togenerate specific odor senses that the individual can consciouslyrecognize, there are also many VOC molecules that may prompt the brainto cause unconscious cognitive and/or physiological changes in the body.The VOCs that cause an unconscious reaction also bind to receptors inthe olfactory system. These VOCs may bind to different G protein-coupledreceptors in the nasal epithelium or receptors in the vomeronasal organ.The group of VOCs that cause unconscious reactions in the body may alsobe referred to as pheromones.

Conscious and unconscious reactions to volatile organic compounds havebeen used in human culture for many years. Fragrances that includevolatile organic compounds have been used in communication, attraction,signaling warning, religious ceremonies, and others. Additionally,odor-evoked memories have been shown to have significant implications onphysiological and psychological health. Fragrances that include VOCscausing a conscious or unconscious reaction may improve mood, increasemotivation, lower stress, stimulate self-confidence, lower inflammationin the body, and others.

Fragrances that may be used in perfumes, body products, makeup products,hair products, air fresheners, and others may combine voltaic organiccompounds from plants and other sources. The art and science of mixingfragrances has been occurring for thousands of years. Fragrances areused in many consumer markets, including the perfume industry, thebeauty industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the cleaning productindustry, and others.

Traditional methods of producing fragrances, perfumes, and other scentedproducts often consists of combining ethanol and/or isopropyl alcoholwith an organic-based bioactive compound in an effort to make theformulation water soluble. In many implementations, ethanol and/orisopropyl alcohol is an undesirable solvent for a fragrance.Alcohol-based solvents cause dehydration of the user's skin and damageto the microbiome of the user's skin. Many users experience allergicreactions to alcohol-based solvents and formulations. Alcohol-basedformulations are costly to produce and are often regulated by governmentor other regulatory agencies. Additionally, alcohol-based fragrances arevolatile such that the fragrance readily evaporates and requirescontinued reapplication to maintain effective concentrations of thescent-inducing volatile organic compounds.

Fragrances or other products having an alcohol or ethanol base can beextremely dehydrating when applied to a user's skin. Alcohol and ethanolbased solvents strip water molecules off of a user's skin and cause theuser to experience an irritation sensation of skin dehydration.Additionally, a significant number of humans experience an allergicreaction when alcohol or ethanol is topically applied to the user'sskin. Alcohols and ethanol can irritate skin and cause discomfortranging from mild tenderness to extensive rashes and boils all over theuser's body.

Additionally, hundreds of beneficial species of bacteria live on skinthat are vital for the user's health. This collection of bacteria may bereferred to as the “microbiome.” Beneficial bacterial species living ona user's skin are known to inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria that isundesirable and can be harmful to the user. Ethanol and alcohol and wellknown for antibacterial effects and can damage, disturb, or even killbeneficial healthy bacteria living on the surface of a user's skin. Whenthe beneficial healthy bacteria is killed or damage, the user is moresusceptible to experiencing an infection or illness caused by pathogenicbacteria.

Additionally, traditional alcohol and/or ethanol based fragrancesreadily diffuse off the skin and have no extended release effects.Alcohol and ethanol have low boiling points and therefore evaporatequickly at ambient conditions. When the alcohol or ethanol base of afragrance has evaporated, the volatile organic compounds of thefragrance are emitted into the air and quickly dissipate. When thefragrance molecules have dissipated, users can no longer sense the smellof the fragrance and the fragrance must be reapplied.

Alcohols are regulated by many government agencies and other agencies.As such, it can be prohibitively expensive to manufacture productshaving an alcohol base.

It is therefore desirable to produce volatile organic compoundcompositions that do not include an alcohol or ethanol base. It isdesirable to provide fragrance compositions that are safe for topicalapplication and do not cause skin dehydration or other skin irritations.Additionally, it is desirable to produce volatile organic compoundcompositions with an extended release that are not prone to quickevaporation. Disclosed herein are compositions and methods ofmanufacture for extended release and biosafe mixtures including volatileorganic compounds. Such mixtures may be implemented as fragrances,pharmaceuticals, pheromones, and others.

The compositions disclosed herein are not dehydrating for a user's skinand instead provide significant hydration to the user's skin.Fractionated coconut oil in particular is shown to provide unexpectedlygood results in hydrating a user's skin and providing relief for skindehydration or skin irritations. This feature of fractionated coconutoil is due to short chain caprylic acid and capric acid fatty acidchains. These fatty acid chains sit on the surface of the user's skinand form a bilayer were water molecules are captured and retained on theskin. This increases the moisture content of the skin and provides apleasant hydrated sensation for the user.

Additionally, fractionated coconut oil has no known skin allergenicityand is shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects on a user's skin. Thisis highly desirable especially when compared against alcohol or ethanol,which are both known for causing allergic reactions and causing variousskin irritations.

Further, the short chain fatty acids in fractionated coconut oil such ascaprylic acid and capric acid are known to encourage beneficial bacteriagrown on a user's skin. The novel composition disclosed herein includingfractionated coconut oil and a volatile organic compound is shown toprovide prebiotic benefits to the user's skin. The prebiotic benefitscause beneficial bacteria to grow on the user's skin and further combatthe growth of pathogenic bacteria that might be harmful or dangerous forthe user.

Additionally, the compositions disclosed herein provide unexpectedlygood results for providing an extended time-release effect for fragrancemolecules or other volatile organic compounds. Specifically, whencompared with alcohol or ethanol fragrances, the compositions disclosedherein last five times longer and do not require frequent reapplication.A clinical study disclosed herein (see e.g. FIG. 4) shows that thecompositions disclosed herein that include fractionated coconut oil lastfive times longer than alcohol-based fragrances. This significantlylowers the amount of fragrance that needs to be applied and reduces thecost for a user wishing to use the fragrance.

An embodiment of the disclosure includes fractionated coconut oil andone or more volatile organic compounds. In an embodiment, thefractionated coconut oil is composed almost exclusively of caprylic acidand capric acid. The fractionated coconut oil may include a small amountof caproic acid, lauric acid, and/or myristic acid. The fractionatedcoconut oil may be selectively enriched in caprylic acid. An embodimentof the one or more volatile organic compounds may include molecules witha molecular weight ranging from 20 g/mol to 700 g/mol. Some exampleclasses of volatile organic molecules include terpenes, flavonoids,alkaloids, polyphenols, flavanols, aporphines, steroids, long-chainhydrocarbons, fullerenes, aromatics, and others. In an embodiment, thefractionated coconut oil is enriched with caprylic acid and exists inthe composition in a range from about 10% to about 90% by weight. In anembodiment, the one or more volatile organic compounds exist in thecomposition in a range from about 0.5% to about 90% by weight.

In the composition, the caprylic acid and the capric acid of thefractionated coconut oil from an electrostatic micellar nanostructurethat encapsulate a volatile organic molecule. This causes the volatileorganic molecule to have a slow release. In the case of a fragrance,this extends the time the fragrance releases volatile organic moleculesand gives off a scent.

An embodiment is implemented as an extended time release fragrance. Theextended time release fragrance could be implemented in a perfume, hairproduct, soap, lotion, serum, cleanser, emulsion, air freshener, candle,skin product, makeup product, and others. The composition disclosedherein provides unexpectedly good results for releasing a fragranceslowly over time. When the fragrance is released slowly over time, thecomposition will provide the intended scent for a longer period of timeand therefore will not need to be applied as frequently.

An embodiment is implemented as an extended release pharmaceutical orbiological compound. The pharmaceutical or biological compound may beparticularly suited for instances where time released capability or slowrelease capability is needed or beneficial. Example pharmaceuticalcompositions that benefit from time release include anti-seizuremedications, extended release insulin, anti-depression medications, andothers. The composition disclosed herein is safe and can be ingested andmay therefore provide a benign means to provide a slow release of apharmaceutical or biological compound. This can improve theeffectiveness of the pharmaceutical and enable the pharmaceutical toachieve its intended purpose.

An embodiment is implemented as an extended release insect repellant.The extended release insect repellant may be implemented as a topicalformulation or a formulation that is intended to be diffused withoutbeing applied to skin, clothing, or other substances. When the insectrepellant is encapsulated with the fractionated coconut oil as disclosedherein, the scent of the insect repellant is released slowly over time.This causes the insect repellant to be effective for a longer period oftime, so it does not need to be applied as frequently. Additionally, thefractionated coconut oil compositions disclosed herein may be safer fortopical applications for many users and may reduce the likelihood ofskin irritation that is common with insect repellants.

An embodiment is implemented as a pheromone formulation. A pheromoneformulation may emit one or more pheromones to capitalize on unconsciousreception of molecules by the olfactory system. An exampleimplementation of a pheromone formulation may cause a person to be drawnor attracted to another individual based on the pheromone scents thatare unconsciously sensed by the person's olfactory system. When thepheromone is encapsulated in the fractionated coconut oil composition asdisclosed herein, the pheromone scent is released slowly over time andtherefore lasts longer and does not need to be applied as frequently.

An embodiment is implemented as an extended release of any suitablevolatile organic compound. Example volatile organic compounds that maybe useful may be implemented in clothing, dryer balls, masks, andothers. In an implementation, a dryer ball or other object is infusedwith the volatile organic compound fractionated coconut oil compositionas disclosed herein. The dryer ball may slowly release the volatileorganic compounds over time during use.

An embodiment is implemented as a perfume, hair product, body product,or makeup product with a base comprising fractioned coconut oil. Theproduct may include fractionated coconut oil in place of an alcohol baseas commonly used in perfumes and other beauty or fragrance products. Thefractionated coconut oil base increases the likelihood that a user willnot have an adverse reaction to the product such as skin irritation orskin dehydration. The fractionated coconut oil base hydrates the user'sskin and is safe and pleasant for the user.

In the following description of the disclosure, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosuremay be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may beutilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from thescope of the disclosure.

Before the structure, systems, methods, and compositions for micellarextended release nanostructures are disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the particularstructures, configurations, process steps, and materials disclosedherein as such structures, configurations, process steps, and materialsmay vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminologyemployed herein is used for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope ofthe disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims andequivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, thefollowing terminology will be used in accordance with the definitionsset out below.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements ormethod steps.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalentsthereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in theclaim.

As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammaticalequivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specifiedingredients, materials or steps and those that do not materially affectthe basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimeddisclosure.

As used herein, “effective amount” means an amount of an ingredient or acomponent of the product that is nontoxic, but sufficient to provide thedesired effect and performance at a reasonable benefit/risk ratioattending any dietary supplement or product. For example, an effectiveamount of a vitamin or mineral is an amount sufficient to prevent adeficiency thereof and to reduce the incidence of some adverse effects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this disclosure pertains and belongs.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings torefer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elementsdisclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted toonly those embodiments in which they are described. For example, anelement described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may bealternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless ofwhether or not those elements are shown or described in anotherembodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may beinterchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whethershown or not.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the chemical structuresof caprylic acid 102 and capric acid 104. The compositions disclosedherein may include fractionated coconut oil including a high proportionof caprylic acid 102 and/or capric acid 104.

Caprylic acid 102 is the common name for an eight-carbon fatty acidknown by the systematic name octanoic acid. Caprylic acid 102 is amedium-chain saturated fatty acid having the chemical formulaCH₃(CH₂)₆COOH. Caprylic acid 102 is found in coconut oil and othersubstances such as palm kernel oil and milk from various mammals. In itsliquid form, caprylic acid 102 is oily and is minimally soluble inwater. The natural form of caprylic acid 102 causes many individuals toexperience a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste.

Capric acid 104 is the common name for a ten-carbon fatty acid known bythe systematic name decanoic acid. Capric acid 104 is a saturated fattyacid having the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₈COOH. Capric acid 104 occursnaturally in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, milk from various mammals,and animal fats.

The composition disclosed herein may use fractionated coconut oil thatis produced by one or more different methods. Coconut oil can beproduced by a dry process, a wet process, may be refined, may behydrogenated, and may be fractionated. Coconut oil may be fractionatedsuch that different saturated fats are separated. In an embodiment, thecomposition includes fractionated coconut oil having a higher contentcaprylic acid 102 and/or capric acid 104.

Fractionation of coconut oil is a separation process in which certaincomponents are separated. Fractionation can include separating a certainquantity of a component during a phase transition. Fractions of thewhole (e.g. different fatty acids within coconut oil) may be collectedbased on differences in a specific property of the individualcomponents. Liquid substances can be fractionated by way of fractionaldistillation based on differences in boiling point. Fractionation can beimplemented in column chromatography based on differences in affinitybetween stationary phase and mobile phase. Additional implementations offractionation include fractional crystallization, fractional freezing,and fractionation based on solubility at given temperatures.

An embodiment of the fractionated coconut oil as used herein ispredominantly a mixture of caprylic acid 102 and capric acid 104. Lauricacid and other higher molecular weight fatty acids may be entirely ormostly removed by way of fractionation. The percentage of caprylic acid102 in the fractionated coconut oil may range from about 30% to about80% in some embodiments. The percentage of capric acid 104 in thefractionated coconut oil may range from about 10% to about 60%. Thefractionated coconut oil used herein that comprises primarily caprylicacid 102 and capric acid 104 may be odorless and translucent.

An embodiment of the composition disclosed herein includes fractionatedcoconut oil and one or more volatile organic compounds. The compositionmay be delivered as a fragrance and used in, for example, perfumes, bodyproducts such as lotions or ointments, hair products such as shampoos orsprays, makeups, and others. The caprylic acid 102 and the capric acid104 in the fractionated coconut oil support the formation of uniquenanostructures that deliver an extended time release of the one or morevolatile organic compounds. Therefore, the one or more volatile organiccompounds are slowly released over time and the composition is moreeffective and longer lasting for delivering a fragrance when comparedwith traditional fragrances having an alcohol base.

FIG. 2 illustrates a structure of a nanoparticle 208 as disclosedherein. The nanoparticle 208 includes caprylic acid 102 and an innermolecule 210. Caprylic acid 102 includes a polar group 204 and anonpolar alkyl chain 206. The polar group 204 is the hydroxyl (OH) groupat the end of the caprylic acid 102 fatty acid chain. The nonpolar alkylchain 206 is the nonpolar carbon and hydrogen (CH₂) chain. The polargroup 204 has a polar molecular bond such that there exist positive andnegative charges within the bond. The hydrogen atom donates an electronto the oxygen atom such that the hydrogen atom has a positive charge andthe oxygen atom has a negative charge within the hydroxyl (OH) bond. Thenonpolar alkyl chain 206 is not polar because the electrons in thecarbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon bonds in the chain are dispersedequally. The polar group 204 is soluble in water and the nonpolar alkylchain 206 is not soluble in water.

A plurality of the caprylic acid 102 form a caprylic acid nanostructure208. The plurality of caprylic acid 102 molecules are situated such thatthe nonpolar alkyl chains 206 point to the interior of the caprylic acidnanostructure 208 and the polar group 204 heads are on the exterior ofthe caprylic acid nanostructure 208.

The caprylic acid nanostructure 208 forms a micellar nanostructure 212by encapsulating an inner molecule 210 in the center of the caprylicacid nanostructure 208. The micellar nanostructure 212 can facilitate anextended release delivery of the inner molecule 210. The inner molecule210 may include one or more molecules that may be the same or differentmolecules. In an embodiment, the inner molecule 210 is a volatileorganic compound. In an embodiment, the inner molecule 210 an odorouscompound for a fragrance such as pentyl butanoate (see 302), geraniol(see 304), vanillin (see 306), or thujone (see 308), for example.

The micellar nanostructure 212 can be implemented as a fragrance thatmay be used in a perfume, skin product, hair product, makeup product,and so forth. Further, the micellar nanostructure 212 can be implementedas an extended release pharmaceutical or biological compound product.The caprylic acid 102 that makes up the micellar nanostructure 212 canbe food-grade such that the micellar nanostructure 212 can be safelyingested or applied topically.

Embodiments of the micellar nanostructure 212 can include solelycaprylic acid 102 as shown in FIG. 2, may include a combination ofcaprylic acid 102 and capric acid 104, and may include capric acid 104.In an embodiment, the caprylic acid 102 is present in a range from about30% to about 80% by weight of the total composition. In an embodiment,the capric acid 104 is present in a range from about 10% to about 60% byweight of the total composition.

Micellar nanoparticle (MNP) substances can serve as versatile deliverysystems. The micellar nanostructure 212 disclosed herein that includescaprylic acid 102 and/or capric acid 104 can delivery a wide range ofvolatile organic compounds for a variety of purposes. The micellarnanostructure 212 can accommodate a range of inner molecules 210 thatmay have varying physiochemical properties.

When the micellar nanostructure 212 is implemented as an emulsion suchas a lotion or other cream, the micellar nanostructure 212 can serve asan effective means for drug delivery by way of topical application. Themicellar nanostructure 212 provides a means for the drug (the drug maybe the inner molecule 210) to penetrate the skin and functionally createa drug depot within the stratum corneum and epidermis of the skin. Thisroute of delivery provides advantages by avoiding contact with thegastrointestinal tract and hepatic first-pass effects. Further, thisroute of delivery may be more desirable or acceptable to many patients.

Drug delivery by way of the micellar nanostructure 212 disclosed hereinprovides a fast and inexpensive means for pharmaceutical administration.When the outer structure of the micellar nanostructure 212 includescaprylic acid 102 and/or capric acid 104 as disclosed herein, themicellar nanostructure 212 is safe for ingestion and can provide aneffective means for time-delayed delivery of the inner molecule 210.

Fragrance delivery by way of the micellar nanostructure 212 disclosedherein is more effective and longer lasting when compared withtraditional alcohol-based fragrance delivery solvents. The innermolecule 210 may include a volatile organic compound and specifically amolecule used for activating the olfactory system in a user. Acollection of micellar nanostructures 212 may include different innermolecules 210 such that the collection of micellar nanostructuresconstitutes a layered fragrance with multiple scents that may serve as aperfume, skin product, hair product, air freshener, and so forth.Delivery of the fragrance by way of the micellar nanostructure 212causes the fragrance to be released slowly over time so that thefragrance lasts longer and does not need to be applied as frequentlywhen compared with traditional alcohol-based fragrances.

Flavor delivery by way of the micellar nanostructure 212 disclosedherein is longer lasting when compared with traditional flavor deliverysystems and compositions. The inner molecule 210 may include a flavormolecule that induces a flavor or taste response in the consumer. In animplementation where it is desirable that the flavor be long lasting,such as for chewing gum or a candy, the flavor may be delivered by wayof the micellar nanostructure 212 disclosed herein for longer lastingresults.

The inner molecule 210 may include one or more of a wide range ofmolecules. FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate chemical structures of example innermolecules 210. The example molecules depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D may beparticularly applicable to a fragrance implementation of the disclosure.In a fragrance implementation, the goal may be to provide an extendedtime release fragrance in a product such as a perfume, skin product,hair product, air freshener, makeup product, and so forth. The fragranceproduct will last longer and will not need to be reapplied as frequentlywhen the fragrance molecules are delivered by way of the micellarnanostructure 212 disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A is the chemical structure of pentyl butanoate 302. Pentylbutanoate 302 is an ester. Pentyl butanoate 302 may be formed byreacting pentanol with butyric acid, usually in the presence of sulfuricacid as a catalyst. As a fragrance, pentyl butanoate 302 is known forresembling the smell of a pear or apricot and may be commonly used insweet or fruity smelling fragrances or perfumes.

FIG. 3B is the chemical structure of geraniol 304. Geraniol 304 is amonoterpenoid and an alcohol. Geraniol 304 is the primary component ofrose oil, palmarosa oil, and citronella oil. Geraniol 304 has lowsolubility in water. As a fragrance, geraniol 304 has a rose-like scentand is commonly used in perfumes and other fragrance products. Geraniol304 may further be used in flavors such as peach, raspberry, grapefruit,red apple, plum, lime, orange, lemon, watermelon, pineapple, andblueberry.

FIG. 3C is the chemical structure of vanillin 306. Vanillin 306 is anorganic compound with the molecular formula C₈H₈O₃. Vanillin 306 is aphenolic aldehyde with functional groups including aldehyde, hydroxyl,and ether. Vanillin 306 is the primary component of the extract of thevanilla bean. Synthetic vanillin may also be manufactured and used as avanilla extract or flavoring agent in foods, beverages, andpharmaceuticals. Artificial vanilla flavoring and artificial vanillafragrances often include pure vanillin of a synthetic origin.

FIG. 3D is the chemical structure of thujone 308. Thujone 308 is aketone and a monoterpene that occurs naturally in two diastereomericforms. Thujone 308 has a menthol or minty odor. Thujone is commonly usedin fragrances and perfumes, and as a component of multiple essentialoils.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph 400 representing the unexpectedly good fragranceretention of the composition disclosed herein. The bar graph 400 iscomparison of fragrance strength between an alcohol 402 based fragranceand a fractionated coconut oil 404 fragrance made according to themethods and compositions disclosed herein. The x-axis of the bar graph400 represents the type of fragrance measured, namely the alcohol 402fragrance or the fractionated coconut oil 404 fragrance. The y-axisrepresents the strength of the fragrance in olfactory intensity (01) asmeasured by subjects having rated the intensity of the fragrance on anumber line from zero to five with zero meaning no detection offragrance and five meaning very strong detection of fragrance. Themeasurements represented in the bar graph 400 were captured 48 hoursafter applying the fragrance.

In the study, two alcohol-based fragrances and two fractioned coconutoil based fragrances were used to measure the olfactory intensity ofeach of the four fragrances. The alcohol-based fragrances includedMankind™ by Kenneth Cole™ and CK1™ by Calvin Klein™. The fractionatedcoconut oil based fragrances included Cabo™ by Oligie™ and Oia™ byOligie™ The material used in the study were 100% cotton t-shirts washedwith fragrance free detergent. Each of the cotton t-shirts was sprayedwith 150 μL of one of the four fragrances. Additionally, a cottont-shirt without any fragrance was used as a control. Fragrance wasapplied to one set of cotton t-shirts immediately before olfactoryintensity testing. Fragrance was applied to another set of cottont-shirts 48 hours before olfactory intensity testing.

The samples of cotton t-shirts include the following: (a) control shirtwith no fragrance applied; (b) cotton t-shirt with Mankind™ by KennethCole™ applied immediately prior to olfactory intensity testing; (c)cotton t-shirt with Mankind™ by Kenneth Cole™ applied 48 hours beforeolfactory intensity testing; (d) cotton t-shirt with CK1™ by CalvinKlein™ applied immediately prior to olfactory intensity testing; (e)cotton t-shirt with CK1™ by Calvin Klein™ applied 48 hours beforeolfactory intensity testing; (f) cotton t-shirt with Cabo™ by Oligie™applied immediately prior to olfactory intensity testing; (g) cottont-shirt with Cabo™ by Oligie™ applied 48 hours before olfactoryintensity testing; (h) cotton t-shirt with Oia™ by Oligie™ appliedimmediately prior to olfactory intensity testing; and (i) cotton t-shirtwith Oia™ by Oligie™ applied 48 hours before olfactory intensitytesting.

The cotton t-shirt samples were provided to subjects for the subjects torate the olfactory intensity of each fragrance. The participantsincluded 15 subjects including 9 female subjects and 6 male subjects.The participants did not have any known conditions of hyposmia oranosmia. The age ranges of the participants ranged from 23 to 55 years.The participants were generally in good health according to a healthinterview and were found to be without a cold or any sickness that mightimpair olfactory detection and sensitivity.

During the study, the participants were brought into a room one by oneand were presented with the nine cotton t-shirt samples in randomizedorder. Samples were presented in a placebo controller double blindmanner so that neither the subjects or the person administering the testknew the identities of each sample. Codes identifying each shirt werekept hidden from the subjects and the person administering the study.Each of the nine possible cotton t-shirt samples were presented to eachparticipant one by one. The participants were asked to place their nosethree inches above the sample and take in three deep breaths through thenose. The participants were asked to rate the intensity of the fragranceon a number line from zero to five, with give being the most intense andzero meaning no fragrance was detected. Participants took three deepbreaths through the nose of a sample of coffee beans between each cottont-shirt sample to clear the olfactory receptors of residual fragrancevolatile organic compounds.

The results from the number line for each cotton t-shirt sample werecollected and an average was taken between the initial intensity of thefragrance and the intensity after 48 hours for both the alcohol-basedand fractionated coconut oil-based fragrances. These scores werebaseline adjusted based on the intensity score given to the controlcotton t-shirt.

All participants gave an olfactory intensity rating of five to both thealcohol-based and the fractionated coconut oil based fragrances that hadbeen applied immediately prior to olfactory intensity testing. However,as shown in FIG. 4, the participants rated the fractioned coconut oil404 based fragrances as being five times more intense than the alcohol402 based fragrances when the fragrance had been applied 48 hours priorto olfactory intensity testing. The results shown in FIG. 4 show thatthere was virtually no loss in the intensity of the fractionated coconutoil 404 based fragrances 48 hours after initial application. Further,the results show that there was an 80% loss of intensity on average forthe alcohol 402 based fragrances 48 hours after initial application. Theresults of the study attest to the sustained time release properties ofcombining fragrance volatile organic compounds with a fractioned coconutoil medium as taught herein.

As shown in the bar graph 400, the fragrance composition having afractionated coconut oil 404 base shows unexpectedly good results withfragrance retention. The alcohol 402 based fragrance loses fragrancequickly, and as shown in the bar graph 400, the fragrance has mostlydissipated after 48 hours. The fragrance having a fractionated coconutoil 404 base, however, still has significant fragrance strength after 48hours.

The bar graph 400 illustrates that the fragrance having a fractionatedcoconut oil 404 base demonstrates unexpectedly good results forproviding an extended time-releasing effect for volatile organiccompounds. While the data shown in the bar graph 400 applies tofragrance-based formulations, the same fractionated coconut oilcompositions can be applied to many different implementations, includingpharmaceuticals, skincare, hair care, personal care formulations, makeupproducts, air fresheners, and so forth.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method 500 for manufacturing afractionated coconut oil composition as disclosed herein. The method 500may be implemented for preparing a composition including fractionatedcoconut oil and a volatile organic compound. The method 500 may beimplemented for preparing a fragrance that may be used as a perfume ormay be incorporated into some other product such as a skincare product,a hair care product, an air freshener, a candle, and so forth. Themethod 500 may further be implemented for preparing a compositionincluding fractionated coconut oil and some other inner molecule 210such as any suitable volatile organic compound or other biologicalproduct. The method 500 may be implemented to manufacture pharmaceuticalproducts such as topical agents, ingestible agents, and or agents thatare intended to be administered by intravenously or intramuscularly.

The method 500 includes fractionating coconut oil at 502 such that thefractionated coconut oil predominantly includes caprylic acid and capricacid. In an embodiment, the fractionated coconut oil predominantlyincludes caprylic acid and further includes smaller amounts of capricacid. In an embodiment, lauric acid and other higher molecular weightfatty acids are largely removed from the coconut. The percentages ofcaprylic acid and capric acid may differ depending on the intended innermolecule 210 or volatile organic compound that will be mixed with thefractionated coconut oil. In an embodiment, the fractionated coconut oilincludes caprylic acid in a concentration by weight of about 30% toabout 80%. In an embodiment, the fractionated coconut oil includescapric acid in a concentration by weight of about 10% to about 60%.

The method 500 continues and includes preparing a volatile organiccompound (VOC) complex at 504 by way of a permutation addition process.The VOC complex may be prepared from the permutation addition process toattain the desired overall characteristics. In an embodiment, the VOCcomplex is a fragrance and is prepared by the permutation additionprocess to attain the desired overall fragrance characteristics.

The method 500 continues and includes titrating the VOC complex into thefractionated coconut oil at 506 under inert gas conditions to generate asolution. The inert gas may include any suitable inert gas such ashelium, argon, neon, xenon, krypton, and so forth. In an embodiment, theVOC complex is slowly titrated into the fractionated coconut oil whilethe fractionated coconut oil is being rapidly stirred. The method 500includes stirring the solution rapidly at 508 at a cool temperature. Inan embodiment, the fractionated coconut oil is stirred at a cooltemperature before the VOC complex is titrated into the fractionatedcoconut oil, and the resulting solution continues to be stirred aftertitration is complete or upon completion of titration.

The method 500 continues and the solution is warmed at 510 whilestirring. The solution may be stirred rapidly on a stir while thesolution is heated or is allowed to warm to room temperature underambient conditions. In an embodiment, stirring is continued when thedesired warmer temperature is reached. In an embodiment, the desiredwarmer temperature is room temperature. The method 500 continues and thesolution is purged at 512 with an inert gas. The solution may be sealedand stored at room temperature until the solution is packaged in a finalcontainer.

The compositions disclosed herein including fractionated coconut oil andone or more volatile organic compounds provide unexpectedly good resultsfor extended time release of the one or more volatile organic compounds.The compositions disclosed herein may be manufactured according to the“like associates with like” principle of chemistry. The “like associateswith like” principle means that compounds with similar structuresinteract with each other to form a soluble, miscible, and homogenoussolution. Compounds that are not soluble with each other are immiscibleor insoluble. One classic example of this principle is the immisciblesolvents of oil and water. Water is a polar solvent while oil is anonpolar solvent, and the two solvents will not mix with each other whenplaced in the same vessel.

In general, organic compounds such as oil are not miscible withinorganic compounds such as water. This principle has been a significanthinderance to pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Theorganic bioactive compounds in such formulations will eventually come incontact with inorganic compounds such as water in the blood or on thesurface of the skin. When this happens, the bioactive organic compoundsexit the solution and lose the ability to exert their efficacy.

The methods of manufacture and compositions disclosed herein overcomethe hurdles associated with the “like associates with like” principle ofchemistry. The methods of manufacture and compositions disclosed hereingenerate micellar nanostructures 212 whereby organic compounds, such asvolatile organic compounds, are encapsulated by other compounds. In anembodiment, one or more volatile organic compounds serve as an innermolecule 210 (or multiple inner molecules) that is encapsulated by acombination of caprylic acid 102 and capric acid 104. The caprylic acid102 and capric acid 104 may be directly derived from coconut oil byfractionating the coconut oil to remove lauric acid and other highermolecular weight acids.

The micellar nanostructures 212 in the compositions disclosed herein areformed when amphipathic fatty acids (e.g. from the caprylic acid 102and/or the capric acid 104) align the hydrophilic carboxylic acidfunction group on the outside towards water and orient the hydrophobicalkyl chain toward the inside as shown in the micellar nanostructure 212in FIG. 2. A hydrophobic organic molecule, such as a volatile organiccompound, associates with the alkyl groups inside the micellarnanostructure 212 by way of small electrostatic interactions called Vander Waals forces.

Examples

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a compositionmay include a combination of all or some, but not all, of the followingingredients:

(a) caprylic acid;

(b) capric acid; and/or

(c) volatile organic compound complex;

Other embodiments of the composition may comprise, for example,concentrations of caprylic acid as follows:

(a1) from 20% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(a2) from 20% to 85% by weight the total composition;

(a3) from 20% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a4) from 25% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a5) from 30% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a6) from 32% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a7) from 34% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a8) from 36% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a9) from 38% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a10) from 40% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a11) from 42% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a12) from 44% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a13) from 46% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a14) from 48% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a15) from 50% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a16) from 52% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a17) from 54% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a18) from 56% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a19) from 58% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a20) from 60% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a21) from 62% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a22) from 64% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a23) from 66% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a24) from 68% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a25) from 70% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a26) from 72% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a27) from 74% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a28) from 76% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a29) from 78% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(a30) from 30% to 78% by weight the total composition;

(a31) from 30% to 76% by weight the total composition;

(a32) from 30% to 74% by weight the total composition;

(a33) from 30% to 72% by weight the total composition;

(a34) from 30% to 70% by weight the total composition;

(a35) from 30% to 68% by weight the total composition;

(a36) from 30% to 66% by weight the total composition;

(a37) from 30% to 64% by weight the total composition;

(a38) from 30% to 62% by weight the total composition;

(a39) from 30% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(a40) from 30% to 58% by weight the total composition;

(a41) from 30% to 56% by weight the total composition;

(a42) from 30% to 54% by weight the total composition;

(a43) from 30% to 52% by weight the total composition;

(a44) from 30% to 50% by weight the total composition;

(a45) from 30% to 48% by weight the total composition;

(a46) from 30% to 46% by weight the total composition;

(a47) from 30% to 44% by weight the total composition;

(a48) from 30% to 42% by weight the total composition;

(a49) from 30% to 40% by weight the total composition;

(a50) from 30% to 38% by weight the total composition;

(a51) from 30% to 36% by weight the total composition;

(a52) from 30% to 34% by weight the total composition; or

(a53) from 30% to 32% by weight the total composition.

With respect to ingredient (a) noted above for example, the amount ofcaprylic acid that may be included in the final composition is based ona percent by weight of the total weight of the final compositiondescribed herein. The composition may comprise ingredient (b) forexample, in concentrations as follows:

(b1) from 5% to 70% by weight the total composition;

(b2) from 5% to 65% by weight the total composition;

(b3) from 10% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b4) from 12% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b5) from 14% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b6) from 16% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b7) from 18% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b8) from 20% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b9) from 22% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b10) from 24% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b11) from 26% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b12) from 28% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b13) from 30% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b14) from 32% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b15) from 34% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b16) from 36% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b17) from 38% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b18) from 40% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b19) from 42% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b20) from 44% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b21) from 46% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b22) from 48% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b23) from 50% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b24) from 52% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b25) from 54% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b26) from 56% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b27) from 58% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(b28) from 10% to 58% by weight the total composition;

(b29) from 10% to 56% by weight the total composition;

(b30) from 10% to 54% by weight the total composition;

(b31) from 10% to 52% by weight the total composition;

(b32) from 10% to 50% by weight the total composition;

(b33) from 10% to 48% by weight the total composition;

(b34) from 10% to 46% by weight the total composition;

(b35) from 10% to 44% by weight the total composition;

(b36) from 10% to 42% by weight the total composition;

(b37) from 10% to 40% by weight the total composition;

(b38) from 10% to 38% by weight the total composition;

(b39) from 10% to 36% by weight the total composition;

(b40) from 10% to 34% by weight the total composition;

(b41) from 10% to 32% by weight the total composition;

(b42) from 10% to 30% by weight the total composition;

(b43) from 10% to 28% by weight the total composition;

(b44) from 10% to 26% by weight the total composition;

(b45) from 10% to 24% by weight the total composition;

(b46) from 10% to 22% by weight the total composition;

(b47) from 10% to 20% by weight the total composition;

(b48) from 10% to 18% by weight the total composition;

(b49) from 10% to 16% by weight the total composition;

(b50) from 10% to 14% by weight the total composition; or

(b51) from 10% to 12% by weight the total composition.

With respect to ingredient (b) noted above for example, the amount ofcapric acid that may be included in the final composition is based on apercent by weight of the total weight of the final composition describedherein. The composition may comprise ingredient (c) for example, inconcentrations as follows:

(c1) from 0.5% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c2) from 1% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c3) from 5% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c4) from 10% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c5) from 15% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c6) from 20% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c7) from 25% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c8) from 30% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c9) from 35% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c10) from 40% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c11) from 45% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c12) from 50% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c14) from 55% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c15) from 60% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c16) from 65% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c17) from 70% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c18) from 75% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c19) from 80% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c20) from 0.5% to 90% by weight the total composition;

(c21) from 0.5% to 85% by weight the total composition;

(c22) from 0.5% to 80% by weight the total composition;

(c23) from 0.5% to 75% by weight the total composition;

(c24) from 0.5% to 70% by weight the total composition;

(c25) from 0.5% to 65% by weight the total composition;

(c26) from 0.5% to 60% by weight the total composition;

(c27) from 0.5% to 55% by weight the total composition;

(c28) from 0.5% to 50% by weight the total composition;

(c29) from 0.5% to 45% by weight the total composition;

(c30) from 0.5% to 40% by weight the total composition;

(c31) from 0.5% to 35% by weight the total composition;

(c32) from 0.5% to 30% by weight the total composition;

(c33) from 0.5% to 25% by weight the total composition;

(c34) from 0.5% to 20% by weight the total composition;

(c35) from 0.5% to 15% by weight the total composition;

(c36) from 0.5% to 10% by weight the total composition;

(c37) from 0.5% to 9% by weight the total composition;

(c38) from 0.5% to 8% by weight the total composition;

(c39) from 0.5% to 7% by weight the total composition;

(c40) from 0.5% to 6% by weight the total composition;

(c40) from 0.5% to 5% by weight the total composition;

(c40) from 0.5% to 4% by weight the total composition;

(c40) from 0.5% to 3% by weight the total composition;

(c40) from 0.5% to 2.5% by weight the total composition;

(c40) from 0.5% to 2% by weight the total composition;

(c40) from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight the total composition; or

(c40) from 0.5% to 1% by weight the total composition.

The foregoing percentages, concentrations, and ratios are presented byexample only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise percentages, concentrations, and ratiosdisclosed. It should be appreciated that each value that falls within adisclosed range is disclosed as if it were individually disclosed as setforth herein. For example, a range indicating a weight percent fromabout 8% to about 14% additionally includes ranges beginning or endingwith all values within that range, including for example a rangebeginning at 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, and so forth.

Also, according to one or more non-limiting embodiments of thedisclosure, any of the concentrations for ingredients (a) or (c), forexample, as listed above, may indicate the concentration for ingredient(b) as listed above.

This composition may be usable as a fragrance spray, a roll onapplication, or may be adjusted to be implemented as a solid compositionwith a wax-like consistency.

Other oil based compositions may be possible. For example, sunfloweroil, safflower oil, nut oils, olive oils, and other oils may be possibleto use as bases in the same proportions as disclosed above (70-90%) inplace of fractionated coconut oil or coconut oil.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention tothe precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications andadaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosedembodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed andother components added without departing from the scope or spirit of theembodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosuredisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising: an effective amount ofone or more volatile organic compound for providing a fragrance that canbe sensed by a user; fractionated coconut oil comprising caprylic acidand capric acid; micellar nanostructures comprising at least onemolecule of the one or more volatile organic compounds serving as aninner molecule and the caprylic acid and/or the capric acid serving asouter molecules surrounding the inner molecule; and wherein thecomposition is free from ethanol.
 2. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe fractionated coconut oil is fractionated such that lauric acid isremoved.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more volatileorganic compounds comprising: pentyl butanoate; geraniol; or thujone. 4.The composition of claim 1, wherein the micellar nanostructures compriseat least one molecule of the effective amount of the volatile organiccompound serving as an inner molecule, wherein the inner molecule isencapsulated by a plurality of outer molecules.
 5. The composition ofclaim 4, wherein the plurality of outer molecules comprise the caprylicacid and/or the capric acid.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition is prepared by titrating the effective amount of volatileorganic compound into the fractionated coconut oil under inert gasconditions.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition isprepared by mixing the effective amount of the volatile organic compoundand the fractionated coconut oil to generate a solution.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition is such that theeffective amount of the volatile organic compound is released over alonger period of time when compared with an alcohol-based compositioncomprising the effective amount of the volatile compound and an alcohol.9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is free ofisopropyl alcohol.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition is prepared for one or more of: topical administration as anemulsion; topical administration as a spray; topical administration as agel topical administration as a lotion; or topical administration as anointment.